By Fox23.com News Staff
UPDATE 4/9/2026 — The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says they have identified a truck they were searching for after the fatal crash.
They say the driver of the truck is cooperating with investigators and state they are a valuable witness.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper and two others are dead following a crash on Interstate 35 in Oklahoma City Wednesday morning.
According to OHP, a vehicle was traveling southbound on I-35 at 11:27 a.m. when the driver lost control and crossed the center cable barrier.
OHP officials said initial reports indicate the driver may have swerved to avoid debris that fell off a vehicle that was also traveling southbound on I-35.
Brake was pronounced dead at the scene along with the driver of the vehicle, who was later identified as Mercedes Bayne, and a 4-year-old passenger.
OHP says Brake was a graduate of the 56th OHP Academy in 2006, serving in the ranks for nearly 20 years.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
OHP’s Traffic Homicide Unit is conducting an investigation into the crash and said they were able to identify a truck of interest they believe might have a connection to the crash.
Anyone who saw anything on Wednesday on I-35 at around 11:27 a.m. is asked to call OHP’s Communications Center at 405-425-2323.
Several law enforcement agencies, as well as state and city leaders, have released statements following the incident.
Gov. Kevin Stitt shared the following statement:
“I want to take a moment to honor the life and service of Trooper Vernon Brake, who was killed in the line of duty today. For nearly 20 years, Trooper Brake served Oklahoma with integrity and dedication, and we are forever grateful for his sacrifice. Sarah and I are praying for his wife, children, and all those affected by this loss. We are also lifting up in prayer the woman and young child who lost their lives in this incident as well. Lord be with these families.”
Sen. James Lankford shared the following statement:
“Cindy and I are praying for everyone impacted by the tragic crash on I-35. We are heartbroken over the loss of Trooper Vernon Brake and the innocent lives taken, including a child. Join us in lifting these families up in prayer.”
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond shared the following statement:
“Wendy and I are devastated over the tragic loss of Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Vernon Brake and two other individuals today. May God have mercy and give comfort to the family members and friends these three leave behind. Please be in prayer for our law enforcement community during this difficult time.”
“Trooper Vernon Brake passed today while on duty in Oklahoma City. We are grateful for his service to the people of Oklahoma City. We send our deepest condolences to his family, as well the family of those in the other vehicle involved in the accident.”
The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office shared the following statement in part:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones, colleagues, and friends who are grieving this profound loss. We stand with OHP during this difficult time and honor the dedication and service exemplified by Trooper Brake.”
The Oklahoma City Police Department shared the following statement:
“Our sincere condolences to family, friends, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol following today’s tragic loss of Trooper Vernon Brake.”
The Edmond Police Department shared the following statement:
“Our hearts are with our partners at the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and we extend our deepest condolences to all affected.”
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation shared the following statement:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Brake’s family, our brothers and sisters with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, as well as the other victims involved in this tragic incident.”
“Remembering the ultimate sacrifice that OHP Trooper Vernon Brake paid today. Please join us in praying for his family, friends and coworkers.”
The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics shared the following statement:
“OBN extends our deepest condolences to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Trooper Brake’s family, as well as the family of the other victims of this tragic accident.”
The Tulsa Police Department shared the following statement in part:
“Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of one of our brothers in blue, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Vernon Brake, who was killed in the line of duty this morning in a multi-vehicle crash on I-35. The Tulsa Police Department extends our deepest condolences to Trooper Brake’s wife, his two children, and the entire OHP family. Trooper Brake was a dedicated public servant who was just months away from celebrating 20 years of service to the state of Oklahoma. We also grieve for the lives of the young woman and the 4-year-old child who were lost in this same devastating incident. Our prayers are with their families and all those affected by this tragedy.”
The Broken Arrow Police Department shared the following statement:
“We extend our condolences to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the loved ones of Trooper Vernon Brake following today’s tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, fellow troopers, and all who served alongside him. We honor his service and sacrifice.”
The Glenpool Police Department shared the following statement:
